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By Clint Thompson
Alabama fruits and vegetables were highlighted on Saturday as part of the third annual Sweet Grown Alabama Day throughout the state.
Aisling Walding, assistant director for Sweet Grown Alabama, said the spotlight was put on Alabama agriculture at 14 participating farmers markets.
“Sweet Grown Alabama Day was just a way to show love to Alabama farmers and get consumers buying local, eating local and enjoying all things local. We had farmers’ markets hosting events all across the state,” Walding said. “We had about 14 markets hosting events. A lot of Sweet Grown Alabama farmers did all you can-eat tomatoes on their farm or all-you-can pick flowers on their farm, just encouraging consumers to come out and spend a day on a beautiful Alabama farm.”
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey also issued a proclamation declaring July 13, 2024, as “Sweet Grown Alabama Day.”
Agriculture is one of Alabama’s largest industries. It accounts for more than $70 billion of economic impact every year. Research has proven that for every dollar spent locally, 60 cents stay within Alabama’s economy.
Specialty Crop Success
Much of that agricultural success centers on specialty crops, which happen to be in season during Sweet Grown Alabama Day.
“We’ve got all of the specialty crops we represent, and of course, we do beef and pork and things like that. There’s so many great things that grow in our state, like peaches and tomatoes and fresh cut flowers. So July, currently, all of those things are in season. All of our wonderful specialty crops are in season,” Walding said. “We’re just celebrating those and celebrating all of the other agricultural things that we do was very important on Sweet Grown Alabama Day.”
Farmers markets who participated in Sweet Grown Alabama Day with special events included:
· Albertville Farmers Market
· City of Wetumpka Farmers Market
· Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market
· Helena Market Days
· Irondale Farmers Market
· Market at Pepper Place
· Monroeville Market Days Farmers Market (Participated with events the Thursday before)
· Northport Farmers Market
· Prattville/Autauga Farmers Market
· The Farmers Market at Brock’s Gap
· The Farmers Market at Killen Park
· Town of Berlin Farmers Market
· Tuscaloosa River Market
· Village of Providence Farmers Market